Tasmanians face the loss of $160 million on federal grants for critical road projects because Tony Abbott refuses to honour road grants approved by the previous Labor government.

The Prime Minister must intervene now to provide certainty for these projects, including the Midland Highway package and the Huon Highway upgrade.
These projects were approved and fully funded under Labor’s Nation Building Program and will deliver safer, more efficient roads for the people of Tasmania.
Their completion will also create jobs and activity in the construction sector as projects funded under Round I of the Nation Building Program wind down.
Tasmania deserves its share of commonwealth road funding, both to improve roads but also to generate economic activity and jobs.
The state can’t afford delays as Mr Abbott struggles to get his act together in government after having promised Tasmanians the world during the recent election campaign.
Mr Abbott needs to give Tasmania certainty now, so planning momentum can continue and we don’t miss seasonal windows to build.
Mr Abbott, are these much-needed projects going to proceed, or will they fall victim to the Abbott Axe?
Projects at risk

• Midland Highway Package – Coalition cuts by $100million


• Brooker Highway safety upgrades - $25.6M


• Huon Highway – upgrade of Huon Highway and Summerleas Rd intersection - $17.5M


• Tasman Highway on/off ramps at intersection between Tasman and East Derwent highways - $13M


• Domain Highway/Brooker Highway interchange $4M